June 8th, 2026 - Livingston Township Council Meeting

The Livingston Township Council met on June 8th, 2026, to discuss various proposals and resolutions. The meeting began with a moment of silence for Officer Stephen McSpirit, who passed away after 34 years of service as a police officer in Livingston. The Council then recognized the Livingston boys' lacrosse team's Essex County Tournament Championship.

Lacrosse Team Recognition

The Council recognized the Livingston Lancer boys lacrosse team for their incredible accomplishment as the 2026 Essex County champions. The team won the Essex County tournament as a seven seed, defeating rival teams such as Milburn, Glenridge, Caldwell, and Verona Hillbillies. Mayor Sean Klein proclaimed June 15th through 21st as Men's Health Week in the Township of Livingston.

Proposal to Lower Voting Age

The Council heard a presentation from Vote 16, a group advocating for lowering the voting age from 18 to 16, especially for Board of Ed elections. The group presented data showing high turnout percentages among 16 and 17-year-old students in local elections. The Civic Creation Circle collected election data from the Student Government Association, which showed that as students grow, they become more likely to vote. The group mentioned that they have been working to find a time to present to the council for a while and will be circulating a community petition to build more grassroots support for lowering the voting age across Livingston.

Municipal Budget Amendment

The Council adopted Resolution 26-194 to amend the Township of Livingston's budget. The resolution included changes in various revenue and appropriation categories, including a decrease in the municipal tax rate. The tax rate has decreased from 79% in 2018 to 65.5% currently. The budget absorbs a significant increase in health insurance costs, almost $800,000. The town implemented a program to fund health savings accounts as an incentive to employees to take lower premium, higher deductible plans.

Budget Breakdown

The leading source of revenue is taxes, at 65.5%. The tax rate has decreased from 79% in 2018 to 65.5% currently. Public safety (police and fire) accounts for roughly a third of the overall budget. Debt and capital improvement projects account for 16% of the budget. Public works account for 12% of the budget.

Capital Budget

The capital budget funds improvements to public facilities, buildings, heater replacement, boiler replacement, streets and roads, important vehicles and equipment for DPW, the police department, and other departments, storm drainage improvements, network improvements and enhancements. The water and sewer utilities maintain operational upgrades and enhancements. The water capital is fully funded, with 95% of all water below regulatory standards, and a goal of 100% in 2027.

Refinancing and Bond Rating

The town's refinancing and bond rating has increased to AA1, with a goal of achieving a AAA bond rating. The town's fiscal condition is sound, with a surplus or fund balance of over $17 million. The fund balance has increased 338% since 2018 and 16-fold in the past 12 years.

Property Taxes

Property taxes as a percentage of overall revenues have dropped from 79% in 2018 to 65.5%. The town collectively sends $40 million to the county per year. The council controls 16.5 cents of every dollar of taxes.

Budget and Funding

The council discussed proposals to use some of the $40 million sent to the county of Essex to help the Board of Education cover their deficits and with infrastructure. Councilman Meinhardt and Councilman Anthony both voted yes on the budget proposal.

The town has kept funding for police officers high, with 75 officers, more than in the last 12 years. The DPW has been praised for their work during a storm, with some employees working 20 hours straight. The tax increase on the average household is $11.43 a month.

Proposals and Ordinances

The council approved Ordinance 21-2026, Amending and Supplementing Chapter 29 Traffic and Parking Signs, with a unanimous vote. They also approved Ordinance 22-2026, Establishing requirements for project labor agreements on certain public construction projects, with a unanimous vote.

The council approved Resolution 26-196, Authorizing a one-year extension of existing contract with Core and Main LP, and Resolution 26-197, Authorizing a one-year extension of existing contract with Ferguson Waterworks, with unanimous votes.

Noise Pollution and Car Wash

The council discussed the noise pollution issue with Express Auto Spa, a car wash located in the township. The car wash owners submitted a deceptive application, claiming a noise level of 38 decibels, which is now being disputed. The council is considering using the nuisance violation to address the ongoing noise problem.

Upcoming Events

The council announced several upcoming events, including the Asian Cultural Showcase on June 10th, the Women Veterans Celebration on June 10th, the Watch party for the USA World Cup game on June 10th, and the Father's Day celebration on June 18th.

Adjournment

The council adjourned the meeting with a unanimous vote, with all in favor (aye) and no opposition (nay).